On the evening of 27 November 2025, the delegation from the Association of Structural Wood Architecture – Ho Chi Minh City (SAWA) attended the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand, an important diplomatic event underscoring the progress and depth of bilateral ties. Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City affirmed that the city remains committed to working closely with New Zealand to expand cooperation across multiple fields as the two nations elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The event featured a cultural performance by the Ngāti Rangiwewehi troupe, offering a distinctive artistic experience and highlighting the role of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding. Delegates from both countries also participated in the traditional Hongi greeting, a profound symbol of respect and friendship in New Zealand culture. The ceremony provided a meaningful platform for diplomatic missions, trade promotion organizations, and business communities to meet, exchange views, and orient future cooperation.
In his address, Mr. Scott James – Consul General of New Zealand in Ho Chi Minh City – emphasized the city’s role as “the center of the Vietnam–New Zealand partnership” and a familiar gateway for New Zealand businesses exploring the Vietnamese market. New Zealand has also set a target of raising bilateral trade to USD 3 billion by 2026, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation with Vietnam.
During the reception, the SAWA delegation held a brief discussion with Consul General Scott James and Mr. Joseph Nelson – former New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Vietnam and currently NZTE’s Regional Director for ASEAN and East Asia. The delegation expressed their deep appreciation for New Zealand’s people and culture following SAWA’s mass timber industry mission to New Zealand in October, and highlighted the promising potential for cooperation between SAWA and New Zealand’s structural wood manufacturers.
Mr. Võ Quang Hà – Chairman of SAWA – noted: “New Zealand possesses remarkable strengths in its abundant, high-quality pine timber resources, while Vietnam has grown into a major global producer of wood products over many years. The opportunities for collaboration between Vietnam and New Zealand – and between New Zealand’s wood enterprises and Vietnam’s structural wood market – are tremendously significant.”